The NHL Playoffs in 2013 got off to an amazing start as teams look to win the Stanley Cup, with two of the Game 1 matchups on Tuesday night going to overtime, including the Blackhawks matchup against the Wild that saw Chicago come out on top.
The Anaheim Ducks took Game 1 of their series against the Detroit Red Wings 3-1 after work from Teemu Selanne, while the Blues took an early lead in their series against the LA Kings after an exciting 2-1 victory in overtime despite 40 saves from Jonathan Quick. On Wednesday three other series will begin in the postseason, as the Toronto Maple Leafs will play the Boston Bruins, the Penguins and Islanders will face off, as will the San Jose Sharks and the Vancouver Canucks.
Bryan Bickell had the winning goal for the Blackhawks, who got off to an historic start this season and are the favorites in the West over the Ducks in the one seed. Marian Hossa added a goal and Corey Crawford was solid in net after letting in an early goal, but that was all the Wild would add and now the team has the chance to go up 2-0 after game two at the United Center.
Chicago is looking to win its second Cup in four years and the team is looking strong after the opening win and they now will have the momentum going forward after an emotional and intense victory against a scrappy team. Last season the Kings won the Stanley Cup from the eighth spot, but the Blackhawks simply look too strong to fall to the Wild and unless the team starts scoring more consistently, it will be a quick series. Ray Emery and Dave Bolland were out due to injuries but both are expected back for the series.
The Rangers and Capitals will be facing off for the third time in a row and the fourth time in five years when their series gets started and they were one of the hottest teams heading into the playoffs, winning 10 of their last 14 games, while the Penguins are favorites in the east.
